June 26, 2025

Beaufort County Council Approves New Budget Allocation

News Summary

Beaufort County Council has approved the fiscal budget for 2026, amounting to $199 million, which includes significant funding for law enforcement, emergency services, and capital improvement projects. Despite the increase, the overall millage rate will remain stable due to projected revenue growth. Key allocations include salary raises for deputies and enhancements in community services. The budget is set to guide county operations until June 2026, focusing on balancing growth with taxpayer interests.

Beaufort County Council has unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget, valued at $199 million, an increase of over $34 million compared to the previous year’s budget. The decision was finalized during a council meeting held on June 9, and the new fiscal year is set to commence on July 1, 2025.

This budget allocation prioritizes various areas, including a significant salary increase for deputies in the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and funding for a wide array of capital improvement projects essential for overall community development. The council emphasized that although significant investments are being made, taxpayers will not see an increase in the overall millage rate, thanks to projected revenue growth.

Key Financial Details

The projected revenue for FY 2026 is estimated to be around $40 million, predominantly derived from property and personal tax collections, anticipating about $24 million from these sources alone. The county plans to keep the tax rate stable, which means some property owners could potentially see their tax bills rise if their properties are reassessed at a higher value.

In a shift aimed at enhancing financial transparency, upcoming tax bills will provide taxpayers with detailed breakdowns of their expenditures. Furthermore, funds are being redistributed, allowing for one mil that previously supported the Beaufort County Economic Development Corp. to be redirected back to the county’s budget. County operations will see an increase of 4.2 mils, which translates to approximately $12 million for operations in the coming fiscal year.

Projected Revenue Breakdown

For FY 2026, the county anticipates the following general tax revenues:

$126.2 million from property taxes
$9.9 million from vehicle taxes
$1.4 million from tax penalties
$3.1 million from delinquent taxes

Additionally, a total of $15 million from the county’s fund balance will be allocated to finish ongoing capital projects. In total, $36 million is earmarked for 92 capital improvement initiatives, addressing various community needs, including:

Replacing turf in animal services kennels
Replacing the Wimbee Creek fishing pier
Renovating the Beaufort County detention center
Enhancing the Ribaut Road and Lady’s Island Drive intersection
Constructing a new laboratory facility for Mosquito Control
Replacing the HVAC system at St. Helena Library
Re-roofing the Hilton Head Island Library

Emergency Services Enhancements

In a continued effort to boost public safety, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department will operate under a fourth shift to improve staffing levels. The EMS has received an additional $1.65 million for salaries, reflecting a strategic reduction in its overtime budget from $3.2 million to $1.5 million for FY 2026.

Increased Funding for Law Enforcement

The salary for a newly appointed sheriff’s deputy will rise to $60,000, supported by an additional $3.5 million in funding for the department. Furthermore, the Solicitor’s Office will experience a substantial budget boost, with a 57% increase from $1.7 million to $2.8 million in the upcoming fiscal year.

Final Approval Process

The proposed budget underwent two readings and is scheduled for a third reading before final approval later in June. If passed, this budget will serve as a financial framework guiding the county’s operations through June 2026, underscoring the council’s commitment to fostering growth and addressing community needs in Beaufort County.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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